Senior Commercial Lead

Senior Commercial Lead

Full-Time 80090 - 80090 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for innovative fusion energy programmes and manage high-value procurement.
  • Company: Join UKAEA, a leader in clean energy and fusion technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while collaborating with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: CIPS Chartered status and extensive experience in public sector procurement.

The predicted salary is between 80090 - 80090 £ per year.

Job Description

About us

Fusion, the process that powers the sun and stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research organisations to achieve ground-breaking advancements.

Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid by developing the power stations of tomorrow and the skilled workforce to deliver them.

About the job

The

Senior Commercial Lead will provide strategic commercial leadership for UKAEA's Robotics, Repurposing and Decommissioning Directorate, supporting major programmes including RACE, RAICo and JET Decommissioning.

Managing procurement activity across a portfolio exceeding £100 million annually, you'll shape commercial strategy, strengthen supplier capability and enable innovative solutions that support the future of fusion energy.

This is an opportunity to influence high-value programmes while working with senior leaders across government, industry and research.

  • What You'll be Doing
  • Develop and lead the commercial strategy for UKAEA's Robotics, Repurposing and Decommissioning programmes.
  • Deliver strategic procurement across a portfolio exceeding £100 million annually, ensuring value for money and regulatory compliance.
  • Design innovative sourcing approaches that strengthen supplier capability and support future fusion programmes.
  • Lead commercial governance, assurance and risk management across major programmes and procurements.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with government, industry, research organisations and key suppliers.
  • Analyse markets and emerging supplier capability to inform long-term commercial strategy and future programme delivery.
  • Provide expert commercial advice to senior leaders on complex procurement and contractual matters.
  • Ensure compliance with the Public Procurement Regulations 2023 and wider public sector commercial requirements.
  • Lead, develop and mentor a high-performing commercial team, building capability and professional excellence.
  • Drive continuous improvement of commercial policies, processes and category strategies across the Directorate.
  • What You'll Bring
  • CIPS Chartered status and degree level qualification, or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Extensive experience leading complex, high-value public sector procurement and commercial programmes.
  • Strong knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations and Public Procurement Regulations 2023.
  • Demonstrable experience developing commercial strategy, governance and risk management for major programmes.
  • Experience influencing senior stakeholders across government, industry and research organisations.
  • Proven leadership experience developing high-performing commercial teams.

UKAEA is an onsite organisation, and this role requires regular onsite presence (usually between 3-5 days in any given week) in line with business needs.

We actively support flexible working arrangements where this is compatible with the role.

Benefits

  • We have a generous range of benefits (see the full list here ) and highlights include:
  • A salary of £80,090 (inclusive of a £7K specialist allowance)
  • Up to 7% corporate performance bonus
  • Final salary defined benefits pension scheme with an equivalent of 21.5% employer pension contribution
  • 25 days annual leave, 2.5 privilege days and 8 Bank Holidays
  • 3 days of site closure over Christmas break
  • Flexible working options plus family-friendly leave provisions
  • Our commitment to ED&I

UKAEA's mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal.

We are committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce.

Please email

[email protected] if you have any questions or require adjustments to help you participate fairly in our recruitment process, for example changes to the way we interview or share information.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience for all candidates.

We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

All appointments are made on merit and further information can be found here .

Senior Commercial Lead employer: UK Atomic Energy Authority

The UK Atomic Energy Authority is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and safety are at the forefront of our mission. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide numerous growth opportunities and foster a collaborative culture that values every team member's contribution. Located in a cutting-edge facility, our focus on sustainability and compliance ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the field of energy.

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Contact Details:

UK Atomic Energy Authority Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Lead

Commercial Strategy Development
Procurement Management
Supplier Relationship Management
Public Procurement Regulations Knowledge
Risk Management
Governance and Assurance
Stakeholder Engagement